NYC & Company Announces Dates For NYC Restaurant Week® Summer 2012

Dining Program Continues 20th Anniversary Celebration with Affordable Dining at More Than 300 of New York City's Finest Restaurants From July 16 to August 10New York, N.Y. - NYC & Company, New York City's marketing, tourism and partnership organization, announced that NYC Restaurant Week returns this summer. The dining event will continue to honor the 20th anniversary of the program with 20 days of dining deals from July 16 to August 10, 2012, Mondays through Fridays, with Saturdays excluded and Sundays optional for the restaurants to participate. Pricing has not changed since 2006, remaining at $24.07 for three-course prix-fixe lunches and $35 for three-course prix-fixe dinners (beverages, gratuities and taxes are not included). Diners can begin to make reservations at more than 300 participating restaurants starting July 9 at www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek.
"New York City is the dining capital of the world with nearly 25,000 restaurants ranging from five-star establishments with world-renowned chefs to independently owned pizza parlors and delis. The restaurant industry is an integral component of New York City's vibrancy and one of the reasons we welcomed more than 50 million visitors to the five boroughs last year," said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. "We're proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week, providing New Yorkers and visitors the opportunity to sample some of the finest restaurants in the world at a fraction of the regular price."
NYC Restaurant Week is the first and largest dining program of its kind. The first NYC Restaurant Week dates back to 1992 and was developed just in time for the Democratic National Convention held that summer. Three-course lunches were priced at $19.92 at 95 restaurants. Since 1992 the average cost of a meal in New York City has increased 64% from $25 in 1992 to $41 in 2012-so while the cost of a meal has gone up $16, the price of an NYC Restaurant Week lunch has risen just $4.15.
"We are proud to announce the dates of NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2012 and recognize the 20th anniversary of a great dining tradition," said Tracy Nieporent, NYC & Company Restaurant Committee Chairman. "In 1992 Restaurant Week was created with 95 participating restaurants and has grown to include more than 300 of the renowned restaurants across the City. A number of participants, including Tribeca Grill, are proud to have been a part of this culinary celebration from the very start, and we look forward to welcoming family, friends and coworkers as we celebrate the program's significant milestone and the culture of dining in New York City."
A number of eateries have participated in NYC Restaurant Week since 1992 including Barbetta, Brasserie, Capsouto Freres, Chin Chin, Delmonico's, Gotham Bar and Grill, Mesa Grill, The Palm, Petrossian, Remi, The Russian Tea Room, Shun Lee Palace, Steak Frites, Tribeca Grill, Victor's Café and Water's Edge.
A full list of the summer participants will be available when reservations open on July 9 at nycgo.com/restaurantweek .
NYC Summer Restaurant Week is produced by NYC & Company and presented by Founding Sponsor American Express.
About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership
organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information, visit nycgo.com.